Sweden has maintained a returnable glass bottle system since the late 19th century, yet its role in modern recycling has diminished significantly. Today, this system only applies to two formats—33 centilitres and 50 centilitres—and accounts for just a small fraction of beverage packaging in circulation. While widely used within the restaurant industry, where the deposit rate reaches 100%, public awareness and usage remain low for bottles sold in stores.
According to Lina Häckner, sustainability developer at the state-owned alcohol retailer Systembolaget, the lack of participation is largely due to limited awareness.
“People do not know that returnable glass exists as a system and do not know that you can deposit them,” she said.
Increased deposit to encourage returns
To address this, Sweden has raised the deposit on returnable glass bottles from June 1, 2025. The new standard is set at 3 SEK per bottle (approx. €0.26), regardless of whether it is a 33 cl or 50 cl bottle. This is a substantial increase from the previous rates of 56 öre (approx. €0.005) and 90 öre (approx. €0.008). The hope is that a higher financial incentive will raise the return rate and reintroduce returnable glass into everyday recycling routines.
Systembolaget has also introduced clearer labeling for returnable glass products, which now number around 60 across its range. The aim is to make the system more visible and user-friendly for consumers.
Environmental considerations and infrastructure gaps
Although returnable glass bottles have a slightly larger carbon footprint than single-use glass due to their thickness and weight, their environmental benefit increases significantly when they are reused. If properly deposited and recirculated, these bottles can be used almost indefinitely.
Despite this potential, logistical barriers persist. There are no longer dedicated return machines for glass bottles; instead, customers must return them at regular checkouts in Systembolaget shops. Around 1,200 food stores across Sweden also accept returnable bottles, but coverage remains patchy.
Systembolaget fully implemented its take-back policy in November 2022. Since then, it has accepted both single bottles and crates across all stores. The move toward higher deposits marks a new phase in its commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions.
A signal for sustainable consumption
The initiative reflects broader trends in Sweden’s circular economy policy. Although the country has high overall recycling rates, the focus on reusing materials—especially durable ones like glass—has received renewed attention. Authorities hope that this new deposit scheme will not only improve return rates but also raise awareness of sustainable consumption practices.
If successful, the reform could lay the groundwork for expanding the returnable system to other formats or materials. As the environmental cost of single-use packaging gains prominence, Sweden’s decision to strengthen its glass deposit system may serve as a model for other countries aiming to reduce waste through financial incentives and consumer engagement.
